Digital Addiction and Mental Health Outcomes Among Students: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Introduction: Digital technology has become an essential component of students' academic and social lives. The widespread use of smartphones, social media platforms, online gaming, and internet-based applications has increased concerns regarding digital addiction among students. Excessive digital engagement has been associated with various adverse mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, stress, sleep disturbances, and reduced psychological wellbeing. This systematic review aims to synthesize current evidence regarding the relationship between digital addiction and mental health outcomes among students. Methodology: A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were searched for studies published between 2015 and 2025. Studies assessing digital addiction and mental health outcomes among school, college, and university students were included. Data were extracted and synthesized narratively. Results: A total of 1,246 records were identified through database searching. Following screening and eligibility assessment, 22 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most studies reported significant associations between digital addiction and adverse mental health outcomes. Commonly reported outcomes included depression, anxiety, psychological distress, sleep disturbances, loneliness, low self-esteem, and poor academic performance. Smartphone addiction and social media addiction were the most frequently investigated forms of digital addiction. Conclusion: Digital addiction is a growing public health concern among students and is consistently associated with negative mental health outcomes. Educational interventions, digital literacy programs, mental health counseling, and appropriate technology-use policies are necessary to reduce digital addiction and promote psychological well-being among students.